Hosiery inspecting device



Sept. 14, 1937.- s. E. KALBACH ET A1.

HOSIERY INSPEGTING DEVICE Filed Aug. 2e, i935 9 Sheets-Shree?I lINVENTORS umd mlfmmz, ATTOR Y.

Sept. 14, 1937. s. E. KALBACH ET AL HOSIERY INSPECTING DEVICE 9Sheets-Sheet? w e .N j i, M s R .n \Q\ N. .M H. m L .m .v/ V//v l N d QNm NN im 06 M I l IN@ bmah l im, i Y, I 1 I Am. Y A L. B H# m. i f n el?n R -msm #H Hund Sept. 14, 1937. s. E. KALBACH ET AL 2,092,806

HosIERY INSBECTING DEVICE Filed Aug. 2 6, 1933 9 SheellS-Sheel'l 3 nbATTO S. E. KALBACH ET AL HOSIERY INSPECTING DEVICE Sept. 14, 193 7.

Filed Aug. 2e, 1953l 9 SheetLs-Sheei'.l 4

Sept 14,1937 v s. E. KALBCH v|51- AL 2,092,806

v u HOSIERY INSPECTING DEVICEy Filed Aug. 26, 1935 9 sheets-snaai 5Sept. 14, 1937.

s. E. KALBACH ET AL HOSIERY INSPECTING DEVICE Filed Aug. 26, 1935 9Sheets-Sheet 6 0f m. HW k) @N l |11 l ll uw. awww. m s Y\ \\\\QWQ QQ. v.I l md HUH nu. n a NH W mmv l; O :.K:

lmin- HILL sept. 14, 1937.

HOSIERY. INSPECTING DEVICE Filed Aug. 2e, 1935 j s. E. KALBACH ET AL v v9 sheets-shed 7 INVEN TORS.-

Sept. 14, 1937. s.l E. KALBACH Er AL- 2,092,805

HOSIERY INSPECTING' DEVICE Filed Aug. 2e, 195s 9 sheets-sheets SeP 14,1937. s. E. KALBACH ET AL 2,092,806

HOSIERY INSPECTING DEVICE Filed Aug. 26, 1933 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 F1 E-w-QL'- BY M 1m,

Patented Sept. 14, 1937 Y UNITED STATES HOSIERY INSPECTING DEVICE SamuelEdward Kalbach, Wyomissing, and Max Peeschmann, Textile West Reading,Pa., assignors to Machine Works, Wyomissing, Pa., a

corporation of Pennsylvania Application August 26,

48 Claims.

This invention relates to a device for inspecting hosiery, particularlyhosiery of the full fashioned at knit type, wherein the stockings areshaped or fashioned by laterally transferring stitches adjacent theopposite edges of the blank during the formation of predetermined stitchcourses, after which the blank is folded longitudinally and the oppositeedges thereof joined together in a seam extending from the tip of thetoe, under the sole of the foot and heel, and up the back of the leg tothe top edge of the welt of the stocking.

The transferring oi the stitches in the fashioning of the stocking isvautomatically performed by transfer points which are adapted tobealigned with and to engage-predetermined needles, lift the stitches fromthe needles and then move laterally into alignment and engagement withadjacently disposed needles, onto which the lifted stitches aretransferred by relative movement between the points and the needles.

Due to improper alignment between the needles and the points, usuallycaused by bending of one or the other of these rather delicate elements,there are times when one or more of the stitches are not properlytransferred onto the needles adapted to receive them or during thelifting of the stitches from the needles bythe transfer points it mayhappen that the point will split the thread. Likewise in seaming thestocking blank it is possible that the needle or'looping element maysplit the thread of some of the stitches adjacent the edges of theblank.

In many casesthe above noted defects do not become apparent during thenishing of the stocking and not until the stocking is being put on bythe ultimate consumer, when, by reason of the stocking being subjectedsimultaneously to transverse and longitudinal strain, as the stocking isbeing pulled on and over the foot and up the leg of the wearer, thedropped or imperfect stitches produced by the improper transferringand/or the split thread in one or more of the stitches will give way andstart a runner o`r ladder in the stocking. l

Some of the objects of the present invention are, to provide a noveldevice for inspecting the stocking after the seaming of the blanks,whereby the stocking will be subjected to radial expansion, strains andlongitudinal tension assimilating the stresses to which the stocking issubjected during its application to the limb of the wearer; to providesuch a device which can also be operated to produce a lateral stressextending from 1933, Serial No. 686,968

the round of the heelacross the1instep,.whereby the stocking fabricaround-the turning points of the heel'tabs is p-lacedunder maximumstrain Vto provide a device of this kind with interchangeable parts sothat it may be adapted for inspecting hosiery of differentcharacteristics with equal facility; and to provide such a device whichis highly eilicient and can be quickly and easily operated.

With these and other objectsin View, which Y will become apparent fromthe following detailed description of several illustrative embodimentsof the invention shown in the accompanying drawings, the inventionresides inthe novel elements; features of construction and arrangementvof parts in cooperative relationship as hereinafter more particularlypointedout in the claims.

'In the accompanying drawings: Y Fig. 1 is a front elevation ofthestocking inspecting form in a fully extended position, with a stockingthereon;

Fig. 2 is a sectional line 2 2, Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is atransverse sectionalelevation taken Y Fig.-4 is a'transversesectional elevation takenV on the line 4 4, Fig.v 2;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary side elevation, as viewed K along the line-5 5,Fig. 2; Y Fig.v 6 is a transverse sectional elevation'take'n on the line6 S, Fig. 5; g

Fig. `'7 isa sectional plan View taken onV the line 1 1, Fig; 5;

Fig. 8 isa fragmentary sectional plan View taken Y on the line 8 8, Fig.1;

Fig. 9 is a transverse sectional elevation taken Y on the line 9 9, Fig-1i Fig. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary .frontelevation, partly brokenaway, illustrating the adj ustable tip of the expansible stocking formshown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 11 is a transverse sectionalelevation taken on the line II Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a sectional line |2 |2, Fig. 10;

Fig. 13 is a sectional elevation taken-on the line elevation taken onthe plan View taken on the I3 |3, Fig.V 2, with the stockingy form in afully contracted position and mounted on a suitable supporting table;

Fig. 14 is a sectional line |4 |4,`Fi g. 13;

Fig. 15 is a transverse sectional on the line |5 l5, Fig. 14; l Y

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary View similar'to Fig.'15,

plan view Y taken Von the elevation taken showing certain parts of themechanism disconnected;

Fig. 17 is a sectional plan view taken on the line II-Il, Fig. 15;

Fig. 18 is a detail plan view showing certain elements of the device inrelatively diierent positions from those illustrated in Fig. 17;

Fig. 19 is a transverse sectional elevation taken on the line I9-I9,Fig. 17;

Fig. 20 is a sectional elevation of a detail taken on the line Ztl-20,Fig. 15;

Fig. 21 is a sectional elevation similar to Fig. 15, showing amodification of the invention;

Fig. 22 is a sectional elevation taken on the line 22-22, Fig. 21; Y

Fig. 23 is a view similar to Fig. 22, but showing certain of theelements in different positions;

Fig. 24 is a sectional elevation taken on the line 24-24, Fig. 21,certain parts being shown in full and others broken away to more clearlydisclose the construction.

Fig. 25 is a view similar to Fig. 24 showing certain elements indiierent positions; and

Fig. 26V is a modification of the invention illustrating a readilyremovable and interchangeable tip for the stocking form.

As shown in Figs. 2, 13 and 17, the device comprises a main head I whichis adapted tov be secured firmly to a suitable rigid support in any of aplurality of possible positions, as will be fully disclosed hereinafter.

Projecting laterally from one side of and rigidly secured in the head Iis a relatively short fixed stud or post 2 which, in the presentinstance, carries ball-bearings 3 and 4 disposed in one end of andadapted to rotatably support a relatively long hollow center post 5,which is axially aligned with and adapted to rotate freely about theaxis of the short post or stud 2 concentrically therewith.

The form on which the stockings S are placed for inspection, in thepresent case, is of a fully closed type presenting a fabric engaging andsupporting surfaceto practically all portions of the area of thestocking fabric, said form consisting of an expansilol'e shell 6disposed outside and surrounding the central rotary post'5, andextending substantially from the head I to a position beyond theoutermost end of the central post' 5. HThe shell 6, inv its contractedstate, as shown in Figs. 13 and 14, is of a substantially circularcross-sectional contour and tapers gradually from its larger end,adjacent thehead- I, to a relatively small diameter beyond the outer endof the central post 5.

The shell 6 is composed of a plurality of longitudinally extendingradially movablesegments, in the present instance consisting of twosimilar halves of the form designated as 6a and 6b, respectively.

Axially aligned with the tapering leg portion of the expansible shell Eand extending beyond the outer end 'I thereof is a substantiallycylindrical' foot portion 8, composed of two similar halves 8a and 8brespectively secured to the halves 6a and-6b ofthe leg portion 6 of theexpansible shell form, for relative expansion and contraction with thesegmental sections Ba and 6b of the form respectively.

The foot portion 8v of theform. is adjustable axially with respect tothe leg'portion 6 thereof, whereby the inner end 9 of the foot portion 8is adapted to be moved away from the outer end 'I of the'leg portion 6for the reception ofv filler pieces I0, I0 between the correspondinghalves of the tapering leg shell 5 and the cylindrical foot piece 8respectively.

The longitudinally extending segmental sections Sa and 6b of the shell 5are supported adjacent one end of the shell 6 by the central post 5 forradial expansion and contraction with respect to the longitudinal axisthereof, by means of a pair of inwardly extending plate-like lugs Ilaand IIb which are respectively secured to or formed integral with thesegmental elements @a and 6b of theY shell 6, said lugs IIa and libbeing disposed in overlapping and interlocking slidable relation to eachother and slidably mounted in longitudinally and transversely extendingslots I2, I2 formed respectively in the opposite sides of the hollowcentral post 5. The segmental sections 6a and 6b are further supportedadjacent the opposite end of the shell 6= by and for radial movementwith respect to e the central post 5 by transversely extending rods Iaand I3b pivoted at their outer ends tothe shell segments 5a andGbrespectively, as indicated at Iii, lli. Each of the rods l3nt and E31)is slidably mounted in a transversely extending bearing I5 carried by orformed in the central post I5.

Lateral or radial expansion and contraction of the segmental sections ofthe form, each consisting of one of the halves of the leg shell 6 withone of the halves of the foot piece S secured thereto, is effected bymeans of a centrally disposed longitudinally reciprocable operatingelement 2B, which is mounted within the central hollow post 5,in axialalignment with the fixed post 2, said operating element 2t beingprovided with an axially aligned cylindrical rod-like end I9 which issupported by, slidably mounted in, and extends completely through therelatively short fixed post or stud 2 and adapted for reciprocationaxially of and within said xefl post 2.

As shown in Figs. 5 and 13, the opposite or outer end of the operatingelement 29 is also of a cylindricalor rod-like form similar to the endI9 thereof as indicated at Ita, said latter end being slidably mountedin and supported by a bearing 2a formed in or carried by the outer endof the central post 5.

l Thev operating element 2Q intermediate the ends I9, ,ISd thereof isprovided with relatively enlarged portions Il and I8 respectively, inwhich are formed longitudinally extending slots I'Ia and Idrespectively.

TheY Overlapping and interlocking relatively slidable supporting lugsIIa and I Ib of the shell halves 6a. and 6b, respectively, project intovthe slot I'Ia from opposite sides thereof and are provided with obliqueslots 2Ia and 2lb, respectively, through which extends an operating pin22. The opposite ends of the pin 22, which extend above and below theplates or lugsk I Id or I Ib, are rigidly secured in the upper and lowerwalls of the enlargement I1 of the operating element 20, wherebylongitudinal movement of the operating element 28 will cause the pin 22to move longitudinally within the oblique slots Ela. and 2lb,

Vand which, due to the slots extending at opposite angles to each other,as shown in Fig. 2, relative lateral movement between the shell sectionsBa and 6b in opposite directions with respect to each other and radiallywith respect to the axis of the central post 5 is effected.

The transversely extending supporting rods I3a and 13b are provided withpins 24 and 25 respectively, which extend at rightangles to the tively,with the projecting ends of said pins disposed Vin slots 21a and 21hformed in the upper and lower walls of the enlargement I8 of theoperating element 20, said oblique slots 21a. and 2lb extending inopposite angular directions to each other whereby longitudinal movementof the operating element will cause the slots 21a and 2lb through thepins 24 and 25 riding therein to move the rods I3a and I3b radially andin opposite directions with respect to the central post 5, whereby amovement of each of the segments 6a, 6b at the larger end of the taperedY shell 6 corresponding to the movement of said segments at the smallerend of said shell, or a differential movement bythe ends of the segmentsat the larger end of the shell 6 in excess of the movement of thesegments at the smaller end of the shell 6, is effected, saiddifferential movement between the opposite ends of the expansible shell6 being provided to take care of the larger diameter of the welt andimmediately adjacent section of the leg of the stocking relative to thesmaller diameter ankle and lower calf portions of the stocking.

By expanding the shell 6 radially, in the manner noted, the whole of theleg portion of the stocking is simultaneously placed under Vtensioncorresponding to that to which the leg portion of the stocking issubjected when being placed on the limb of the wearer, practically allportions of the stocking fabric being equally stretched at the same timeby contact with the surface of the shell, and whereby a slight relativerubbing of the stocking over the surface of the shell is provided by theconcurrent radial expansion of the fabric engaging segmental surfaces ofthe form corresponding to the rubbing action of the stocking over theskin of the wearers limb. As the leg shell 6 is expanded the footVcylinder 8 is correspondingly expanded and the fabric of the foot ofthe stocking is subjected to the same radial stress and relative rubbingaction as in applying the stocking foot to the foot of the wearer. Atthe same time, the operator making the inspection draws the stockinglongitudinally of the expansible form producing therein practically thesame longitudinal tension to which the stocking is subjected in beingdrawn up onto the leg of the wearer.

The longitudinal and transverse tension produced in the heel and instepportions of the stocking by drawing the stocking over the heel andinstep of the foot is assimilated in the expansible form of the presentinvention by the provision of a radially movable heel expanderillustrated at 3|] in Figs. 1, 5 and 13. Y

In the present instance the heel piece 30 is pivoted at 3| to a lug 40formed on and at the extreme outer end of the central post 5. The heelpiece 38 is adapted to be swung from the collapsed position illustratedin Fig. 13 to the projected positions illustrated in. Figs. 1 to 5,through a slot 46 formed half in one of the shell segments 6a and halfin the other shell segment 6b of the shell 6. Y

The radial projecting or extending movement of the heel expander 3U iseffected simultaneously with the radial expansion of the segmentalsections of the form each including a leg portion and foot portionthereof, by a pin 32 projecting laterally from each side of anenlargement 33 formed on or carried by the extreme outer end of thecylindrical section I9a of the operating element 20, which extends intoslots 34, 34 formed in plates or ribs 35, 35 respectively carried by orformed on the heel expander 30 adjacentvthe pivot 3| thereof. w f

As shownin Fig. 5, the pivot for the heel expander 3i! is formed in theside plates 35, 35 and the main or body portion 36 of said expander isadjustable with respect to the plates 35 and to the pivot 3|, wherebythe degree of tension to be applied to the stocking by the heel expander35 maybe readily controlled.

As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the body portion'36 of the heel expander 3Uis provided with a central rib 3l against the opposite side of which theplates 35, 35 are secured and clamped by means of screws 38 passingthrough one of the plates 35 and slots.39, 39 formed in the central rib31 and threaded into tapped openings formed in the second of the plates35. Loosening of the screws 38, 33 will permit of relative movementbeing effected between the body 36 and the plates 35 and between thebody 35 and the pivot 3| for controlling the tension applied to theystocking by the heel expander 30.

As noted above, the foot portion 8 is adjustable longitudinally withrespect to the leg portion 5 of the expansible form, and as shown inFigs. 2 and 10 the halves 8a and 8b of the foot piece 3 are respectivelyprovided with tongues 4|,

4I whichv are slidably mounted in grooves 45, 45 formed in the outerends of the shell halves 6a or 6bI respectively, said 'tongues 4I havinga dovetailed sliding fit connection with the two halves of the shell 6,as clearly illustrated in Figs. 6, 11 and 12.

As shown in Fig. 1l, the halves 8a and 8b of the foot piece 8 aresecuredin their adjustedv positions with respect to the shell halves 6aand 6b, to which the said foot pieces are respectively attached, bymeans of locking screws 42, 42, each provided with an annular flange 43,one side of which extends into a longitudinal groove 44 formed in thecorrelated tongue 4I whereby after each axial adjustment of the footparts with respect to the leg parts of the expansible form, tighteningof the screws 42 will lock the tongue 4I firmly in the Ydovetail grooves45 in which said tongues are respectively mounted.

As shown in Figs. 2 and 17, the rod end I9 of the operating element 20,at the opposite sideof the head to that from which the central post 5projects, is provided with'a. piston-like head 5i] which is slidablymounted in a cylinder 5Ik formed within a casing 52 which is secured tothe head I against relative circular and longitudinal movement withrespect thereto.V Ballbearings53 and 54 are provided between the pistonand the extreme end of the rod I9, providing for relative cir-cularmovement between the rod I 9 and pistonr5ilwhile preventing relativelongitudinal movement between theV two.

The post 2 is counterbored, as illustrated at 55 in Fig. 17, to receiveand form an abutment for one end of a rod-encircling spring 55a, theopposite end of which is seated in a cup 56 which in turn is seatedagainst one end of the piston head 5B, tending at all times to move the`rod I9 and consequently the operating element 20 in a direction toeffect collapsing of the expansible stocking inspecting form.

Movement of the-rod I9 and the operating element 20 in the oppositedirection, to effect expansion of the form, is produced by a gearsegment 5l pivotally mounted at 58 to the casing 52, the teeth of saidgearV segment intermeshing with the teeth of a gear rack 59 secured tothe piston 59 vand projecting through a longitudinally extending slotformed in one side of the cylinder 5|, whereby rocking of the segment 51about its pivot 58 inA one direction Will move the piston 59 in acorresponding direction in the cylinder 5I, thereby effecting similarmovement of the rod I9 and operating element 28 in opposition to thespring 55.

Movement of the operating element 28 in the last said direction islimited by a split collar 60 threaded onto an axial extension 6| of thepiston 59 operating in a supplementary cylinder 5Ia formed at the oneend of the cylinder 5 I, said collar being adapted to engage the endwall 62 of the cylinder 5| and thereby limit the movement of theoperating element 20 in the form expanding direction, whereby the extentof the expansion of the collapsible stocking form is definitelydetermined and excessive stretching of the stocking on the formprevented.

The limiting collar 69 is adapted to be locked in its adjusted positionby a screw 53 extending parallel to the axis of the extension 6I acrossthe split 64 in the collar to draw the two portions of the collartogether and thereby firmly clamp the collar to the piston extension 6|.

Pivotally connected at 65 to a crank boss on the segment 51 is one endof a link 66, the oppo site end of which is pivotally connected, atright angles to the pivot 65, as indicated at 61, to one end of a link68. The opposite end of the link 68 is universally connected at 69 (seeFig. 20) to a pivot stud 16, which is adjustably mounted in a slot 1Iextending longitudinally of a lever 12, the hub 13 of which is rotatablymounted on a shaft 14. The shaft 14, in the present instance, isrotatably mounted in bearings 15 and 16 secured to the underside of atable 11.

In the present instance the main head I of the stocking inspecting formis provided with a depending neck 18 on the lower end of which is formeda ball head 19. The ball head 19 of the main head I is universallyadjustable in and adapted to be clamped rigidly by a split bearing 88formed on the outer end of a bracket 8| which is secured to theunderside of a table 11, the ball head 19 and bearing 89 providing foruniversal adjustment of the collapsible stocking form at any desiredangle relative to the table, vertically and/or horizontally. Theuniversal linkage between the operating segment 51 and the operatingshaft 'I4 provides for operation of the operating element 20 from theshaft 14 regardless of the angle of the collapsible stocking formrelative to the table.

As Shown in Fig. 20, the operating shaft 14 is circumferentially grocvedat 8| for the reception of one end of a `screw 82 carried by the hub 13of the lever 12, which ts within the groove 8| and which, whilepermitting relative rotation between the shaft 14 and the hub 13,prevents longitudinal movement of one with respect to the other.

Formed von and extending from the hub 13 is a second lever 83 which isconnected by a link 84 to' the outer end of a piston rod 85. The innerend of the piston rod 85 is connected to a piston 86 reciprocablymounted in a cylinder 81 which is secured to the underside of the table11.

Secured to the shaft 14 is a lever 88 which is connected by a link 89 toa slide valve 98 by which motivating fluid, such as steam or compressedair, is admitted to and exhausted from the opposite ends of the cylinder81 to effect reciprocation of the piston 86 therein, by which expansionand contraction of the collapsible stocking form is effected.

Secured to the shaft 14 is a pair of depending arms 9|, 9|, on andbetween the lower ends of which is mounted. a foot treadle 92, wherebyrocking of the shaft 14 to effect operation of the valve 98 is effected.

The rocking motion of the shaft 14 to properly align the ports of thevalve 98 with the ports of the cylinder 81 is limited by means of acollar 95 which is adapted to be rigidly secured to the shaft 14 by aset screw 94, one end of said collar being recessed, as indicated at 96in Fig. 1'1, for the reception of a lateral projection 91, in thepresent instance, formed on the bearing 15, the .width of the recess 96being Aslightly larger than the width of the projection 91 to permitjust suiiicient rocking motion of the shaft 14 to align the ports of thevalve 98 with the ports of the cylinder 81 respectively at the extremelimits of the rocking motion of the shaft 14.

If desired, the segment 51 may be operated directly from the shaft 14and for this purpose the collar 95 is provided with a projection 98which is adapted to t tightly within the notch or recess 99 formed inthe one end of the hub 13, in which case the set screw 94 is releasedand the collar 95 moved longitudinally along the shaft 14, releasing'therecess 96 thereof from the projection 91 on the bearing 15 and bringingthe projection 98 on the opposite end of said collar 95 into therecess'99 of the hub 13, as clearly illustrated in Fig. 18, whereuponthe set screw 94 is again tightened, thereby clamping the hub 13 rigidlyto the shaft 14. In such case the link 84 which connects the lever 83With the piston rod 85 is disconnected from the said lever 83; and thelink 89, which connects the lever 88 With the valve 90, is likewisedisconnected from the lever 88, consequently rocking motion of the shaft14 by the foot treadle 92 is transmitted directly to and through theshaft 14 and through the links 68 and 66 to the segment 51.

Figs. 2l to 25 inclusive illustrate a modified form of operatingmechanism between the actuating element 28 and the lever 12, wherein thepiston 58 is replaced by a split head |58 in which is confined a ballbearing |53 permitting relative rotation between the head |59 and therod ||9 but preventingl relative longitudinal movement between the two.

Secured to the head I within the casing |52 is a ring |5I which issecured to the head I by screws |49, |49. The ring |5| is provided witha lug |48 having a yoke end |41 supporting a pivot pin I 58 on which ispivotally mounted a lever |51. The opposite end of the lever |51 ispivotally connected at |65 to one end of the link 66a, the opposite endof which is pivoted at 61a to the link 68a.

The lever |51 is provided with a roller |69 adapted to bear against thehead |50 substantially in axial alignment with the rod II9.

Rocking of the shaft 14 will, through the lever 12 and links 66a and68a, rock the lever |51 which through the roller |69 bearing against thehead |56 will move the rod |I9 longitudinally in opposition to thespring 55a, whereby the expansion of the stocking form will be effected.

The expansion of the form in this instance is limited by a cam follower|69 carried by the head |59 and engaging spirally inclined cam surface|62 formed on a ring I 6I which is rotatably mounted and confinedbetween the head I and ring |5I by and in an annular recess formed topodge of in the ring I5 I. Rotation of the ring IBI will bring thevarious elevations of the cam surfaces I 52 into alignment with the camfollowers I 60, whereby inward movement of the head 5U toward the head Iis definitely controlled.

Rotation of the ringl ISI, to eiect adjustment of the cam surface I 52relative to the cam follower Iil, and the locking of the cam ring IGIinto its adjusted position is effected by a screw E63 which is tappedinto the cam extension on the ring I 6i and projects through a segmentalslot Ilil formed in casing |52.

Fig. 26 illustrates a detachable interchangeable foot piece H38 which,like the foot piece S, is composed of two similar parts projecting fromthe outer ends of the leg shell halvesa and 6b respectively. Fig. 26illustrates the onehalf Illb of the interchangeable foot piece Hi8 asbeing connected tothe shell half-6b, said shell half being provided withoutwardly projecting'pins or dov/els it@ and llt fitting within openingsl1! i12 respectively in the end of the foot piece Ellb. In the present.instance the dowel'lil is notched at I i for the reception of aspringpressed ball m5 carried by the foot piece Ilib and providing'means whereby the foot piece i081) is locked to the shell half Bb, itbeing understood that the dowels it and iIB are shrunk; sweated orotherwise nrinly secured in the shell half 6b. As shown in Fig. l2, thefiller pieces li) are each provided with a dovetailed groove forreception of the correspondingly shaped tongues di which removably andadjustably connect the foot halves la and 5b to the leg halves 6a and 6brespectively, whereby the ller pieces are maintained in position betweenthe leg and foot portions of each of the segmental longitudinally ex-vtending sections of the expansible form.

The instep portion of a stocking being' inspected on the form, as shownin Fig. 1, is engaged by those portions of the leg shell segments 6a and6b, respectively, lying immediately adjacent the foot segments 3a and8i), directly opposite to the slots it formed in the leg shell segmentsthrough which the heel expander 3Q is projected.

The foot piece is provided with an opening H3 extending at an angle tothe axis ofthe form from the extreme end lill of the foot piece to apoint immediately adjacent the opposite end 9 of the foot piece, whichis used in turning a stocking inside out for inspecting both facesthereof. The welt end of the stocking is run through the openingl H3 andspreads radially over the end H4 ci' the foot piece, whereupon, bygrasping the the welt or open end of the stocking and drawing thestocking up over the form the previous inside surface of the stocking isturned out for inspection.

By providing the rotary mounting for the central post 5 the collapsibleform with a stocking thereon may be readily revolved about the axis ofthe form to facilitate inspection of the entire outer surface of thestocking on the form; and by providing the ball and socket joint betweenthe form-supporting head i and the supporting structure 'il the form maybe adjusted and clamped at any practically desired angle relative tovtable to facilitate the inspections,` the universal linkage between theactuating element 20 andthe treadle S2 permitting such adjustment of theform without disturbing the connections between the treadle and theform.

By expanding all sections of the form simultaneously and radiallyl thesame stretching effect is attained as that attending the pulling of theGi course, the hosiery inspecting device specifically shcwn anddescribed can be changedand modified in various ways Without departingfrom the invention herein disclosed and hereinafter claimed.

1. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a hollow stocking vform ofsubstantially circular cross-sectional contour composed of a pluralityof segmentally surfaced sections respectively ,ex-` tendingsubstantially the full length of the form, a central post disposed tothe central post for radial movement respectively relative to the axisthereof, and means carried by the central post for radially moving eachof said sections relative to vanother thereby tovexpand said stockingform. Y

2. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a hollow stocking form ofsubstantially circular crosssectional contour composed ofa plurality ofvsegmentally surfaced longitudinally extending sections, a central postdisposed within the hollow form, means slidably connecting saidsectionsto the central post for radial movement respectively relative tothe axis thereof, and means carried by the central post .for radiallymoving each of said sections relative to another thereby to expand saidstocking form.

3. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a hollow stocking form ofsubstantially circular crossseetional-contour composed of a plurality ofseg-V mentally surfaced sections respectively extending l substantiallythe full length of the form for engagement with the leg, foot andintermediate instep portions of a stocking, a central post disposedwithin the hollow form, means for operatively connecting said sectionsto the central post for radial movement respectively relative to theaxis thereof, ahe'elexp'ander operatively connected to the central post,and meanscarried by the central postfor radially moving each of saidsections and Said heel expander relative to the axis of the form therebyto expand the stocking form. l

4. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a stocking form ofsubstantially circular cross-sec'- tional contour composed of aplurality of segmental surfaces respectivelyextending substantially thefull length of the form for engagement with the leg, foot andintermediate instep portions of a stocking, a heel-engaging surfaceopposite said instep-engaging surface and normally disposedsubstantially within the circular con- 'tour` of the form, and means forradially expanding said surfaces differentially, whereby the heelsurface is extended beyond the expanded circular contour of the form.`,j

5. ,A hosiery inspecting device comprising a stocking form ofsubstantially circular cross-sectional c'ontour' composed of a pluralityof segmental surfaces respectively extending substanhosiery inspectingdevice is employed inv within the hollow form, j' means for operativelyconnecting said sections mental surfaces respectively extendingsubstantially the full length of the form for engagement with the leg,foot and intermediate instep portions of a stocking, a heel-engagingsurface opposite said instep-engaging surface, and means 'for radiallyexpanding said leg and foot surfaces and said heel surfacedifferentially to expand the leg surfaces in excess ofthe expansion ofthe foot surfaces and to project the heel surface beyond the expandedcircular contour Vof said leg Yand foot surfaces of the form.. v

7, A hosiery inspecting Adevice comprising a stocking form ofYsubstantially circular cross-sectional contour including a tapered legsection and a substantially cylindrical foot section each composed of aplurality of segmental stocking-engaging surfaces'a 'heel-engaging.surface normally disposed substantially within the circular contour ofthe forrn adjacentl the foot sectionthereof, and means forradiallyexpanding said surfaces differentially to extend the legV:surfaces at one end of the form in excess of the leg and foot surfacesat the opposite end of the `form and to extend the heel surface beyondthe expanded circular contour of the form. y Y

8. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a hollow stocking form ofsubstantially circular crosssectional contour including a tapered legsection and a substantially cylindricalfoot section eachY composed of aplurality of segmental stockingengaging surfaces, a heel-engagingsurface nor-` mally disposed substantially within the, circular contourof the form adjacent the foot section thereof,` and means confinedwithin the hollow form for radially'expanding saidsurfacesdifferentially to extend the leg surfaces at one end of Y theform in excess of therleg and foot surfaces at the opposite end of theform and to extend the heel surface beyond-the expanded circular contourof the form.

9. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a hollow stocking form ofsubstantially circular crosssectional contour including a tapered legVsection and a substantially cylindrical Y,foot section` each l composedofv a plurality of segmentalistockingengaging surfaces, a heel-engagingsurface normally disposed substantially within the circular contour ofthe form adjacent the/foot section thereof, and means confined Withinthe hollow form for radially expandingA said surfaces differentially toextend the leg surfaces at one end of the form in excess Vof therlegand'foot surfaces at Y the opposite end of the form and to extend theheel surface beyondtlie expanded circular contour of the form, saidmeans comprising a common actuator extending longitudinally of the formand projecting from the larger end of the leg section thereof.

10. A hosiery inspecting'device'comprising a hollow stocking form ofVsubstantially Vcircular cross-sectional contour composed of a pluralityof segmentally surfaced longitudinally extending sections, a centralpost disposed within the hollow form, means slidably connecting saidsections to the central post for radial movementrespectively.

' low form, a supporting lug on each of said sections slidably mountedin a radially extending slot in said post, and means in and extendinglongitudinally Vof the post and operatively connected to said lugs foreffecting radial movement of the sections.

12. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a hollow stocking vformy ofsubstantially circular cross-sectional contour composed of a pluralityof segmentally surfaced longitudinally extending sections, a centralpost disposed within the'hollow form, asupporting rod for each of saidsections slidably mounted for radial movement in the post, and means inand extending longitudinally of the post and operatively connected tosaid rods for effecting radial movement of the sections.

13.7A hosiery inspecting device comprising a hollow stocking `form of`substantially circular cross-sectional contour composed of a pluralityof segmentally surfaced longitudinally extending sections, acentral postdisposed within the hollow form, a supporting lug on each of saidsections adjacent one end thereof and slidably mounted in hollowstocking form of substantially circular cross-sectional contour composedof a plurality of segmentallyfsurfaced longitudinally extendingsections, a central post disposed within the hollow form, a supportinglug on each of said sections adjacent one end Vthereof and slidablymounted in a radially extending slot formed in said post, a supportingrod for each of said sections andV pivotally connected at its outer endto Vsaid sectionsradjacent the second end thereof and slidably mountedin a radially extending bearing 1n said post, an operating elementslidably mounted in and extending longitudinally of said post, andcooperating pin and cam slot connections between the lugs and theoperating element and between the rods Vand the operating element forYeffecting radial movement of the respective sections by longitudinalmovement of the operating element. Y Y

15. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a hollow stocking form ofsubstantially circular cross-sectional contour composed of a pluralityof segmentally surfaced longitudinally extending sections, Va centralpost disposedawithin the hollow form, aY supporting lug on each of saidsections adjacent one end thereof and slidably mounted in a radiallyextending slot formed in said post, a supporting rod for each of saidsections and pivotally connected at its outer end to said sectionadjacent the second end thereof and slidably mounted in aradiallyextending bearing in said post, an operating element slidablymounted in and extending longitudinally of said post, a pin on saidelement projecting into a cam slot in each of said lugs and a pin oneach of said rods projecting into a cam slot in said element forradially moving said sections by longitudinal movement of said operatingelement.

16. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a hollow stocking form ofsubstantially circular cross-sectional contour composed of a pluralityof segmentally surfaced longitudinally extending sections, a centralpost disposed within the hollow form, a supporting lug for each of saidsections adjacent one end thereof and slidably mounted in a radiallyextending slot formed in said post, a supporting rod for each of saidsections and pivotally connected at its outer end tosaid sectionadjacent the second end thereof and slidably` mounted in a radiallyextending bearing in said post, a heel expanding section adjacent Oneend of the form and pivotally connected to the post for swingingmovement in a plane Vradial to the axis of the post, an operatingelement slidably mounted in and extending longitudinally of said post,and cooperating'pin and cam slot connections between the lugs and theoperating element and between the rods and the operating element andbetween the heel expanding section and the operating element foreffecting radial movement of the respective sections by longitudinal.

movement of the operating element.

17. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a hollow stocking form ofsubstantially circular cross-sectional contour .composed of a pluralityof segmentally surfaced longitudinally extending sections, a centralpost disposed Within the hollow form, means slidably connecting saidsections to the central post for radial movement respectively relativeto the axis thereof, a heel expander pivotally connected to the centralpost for swinging movement in a plane radially to the axis of the post,an operating element slidably mounted in and extending longitudinally ofsaid post, actuating means operatively connecting said sections to saidoperating element, and a pin carried by said operating element andoperating in a slot formed in said heel expander, whereby longitudinalmovement of said operating element effects radial movement ofsaidsections and said heel expander.

18. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a hollow stocking form ofsubstantially circular cross-sectional contour and split longitudinallyinto two similar halves, a central post within the hollow form andextending longitudinally there-` of, a pair of lugs formed on said formhalves respectively and projecting radially in overlapping relation toeach other into a transversely extending slot formed in said post, anoperating element slidably mounted in and extending longitudinally ofsaid post, and a pin carried by said operating element and projectinginto a pair `of oblique slots formed in said lugs respectively atoppositely disposed angles relative to the axis of the operatingelement, for radially moving each of said form halves relative to thepost by relative longitudinal movement between the operating element andthe post.

19. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a vhollow stocking form ofsubstantially circular 'cross-sectional contour and split longitudinallyinto two similar halves, a central post within the hollow form andextending longitudinally thereof, a pair oi rods slidably mounted intransversely extending bearings formed in said post and pivotallyconnected to said form halves respectively,

an operating element slidably mountedV in'fand 20. A hosiery inspectingdevice comprising `a hollow stocking form of substantially circularcross-sectional contour and split longitudinally into two similarhalves, a central post within the hollow form and extendinglongitudinally thereof, a heel expander pivotally mounted on ythe postfor swinging movement in a plane radially disposed to the axis ofthepost and coincident with the planeof the longitudinal split of saidform, an operating element slidably mounted in and extendinglongitudinally of the post, and a pin on theoperating element projectinginto va cam slot formed in the heel expander for moving said heelexpander radially by relative longitudinal movement between theoperating element and the post.

2l.V A hosiery 'inspecting ,device comprising `a hollow vstocking formof substantially circular cross-sectional. contour and splitlongitudinally into two similar halves, a central post within the hollowform and extending longitudinally thereof, a pair oflugs formed on saidform halves respectively and projecting radially in overlapping relationtoreach otherinto a transversely extending slot formed in said post, apair of rods slidably mounted in transversely extending-bearings i thepost, an operating element slidably mounted in and extendinglongitudinally of said post, a pin carried by said operating element andprojecting into a pair of oblique slots formed in said lugs respectivelyatv oppositely disposed angles relative to the axis ofthe operatingelement, afif pincarried by each rod and'projecting respec. tively intooblique slots formed in said operating element and extending at oppositeangles to the axis thereof, and a pin on the operating elementVprojecting into a cam slot formed in the heel Yexpander for radiallyVmoving each of said form halves and said heel expander relative to thepost by relative longitudinal movement between the operating element andthe post.

22. A hosiery inspectingdevice comprising Va radially expansiblestocking form of substantially circular cross-sectional contour composedof 1a plurality of segmental longitudinally extending sections eachincludinga leg portion and a foot portion attached toone end of the legportion and being longitudinally movable relative to said leg portion. v

23. .A hosiery inspecting device comprisingY a radially expansiblestocking form of substantially circular cross-sectional contour composedof a plurality of segmental longitudinally extending sections eachincluding a legportion and afoot portion connected to and readilydetachableirom theleg portion and being longitudinally exten- Cil,

plurality of segmental longitudinally extending Y sections eachincluding a leg portion and a relatively longitudinally extensible footportion secured to the leg portion, and substantially circularlycontoured iiller pieces insertable between the leg and foot portions ofthe form for radial expansion therewith.

25. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a radially expansiblestocking form of substantially circular cross-sectional contour composedof a plurality of segmental longitudinally extending sections eachincluding a leg portion and a relatively longitudinally extensible footportion, a tongue extending from one of said portions of each sectioninto the other of said portions thereof longitudinally of the form, andmeans for securing the tongues in their adjusted positions in the formsections respectively.

26. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a radially expansiblestocking form of substantially circular cross-sectional contour composedof a plurality of segmental longitudinally extending sections eachincluding a leg portion and a relatively longitudinally extensible footportion, a tongue extending from one of said portions of each sectioninto the other of said portions thereof longitudinally of the form, asubstantially circularly contoured ller piece` carried by each tonguebetween the leg and foot portions of each section of the form, and meansfor securing the tongues in their adjusted positions in the formsections respectively. l

2'7. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a radially expansiblestocking form of substantially circular cross-sectional contour composedof a plurality of segmental longitudinally extending sections eachincluding a leg portion and a relatively longitudinally extensible footportion, and a tongue oi -dovetailed cross-section secured in andextending longitudinally from the foot portion of each section into acorrespondingly shaped groove formed in the leg portion of the sectionfor adjustably connecting said portions.

28. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a radially expansiblestocking form of substantially circular cross-sectional contour composedof a plurality of segmental longitudinally extending sections eachincluding a leg portion and a relatively longitudinally extensible footportion, a tongue of dovetailed cross-section secured in and extendinglongitudinally from the foot portion of each section into acorrespondingly shaped groove formed in the leg portion of the sectionand provided with a longitudinally extending locking groove, and meanscarried by the leg portion and projecting into said locking groove forsecuring the tongue in its adjusted position in said leg portion.

29. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a radially expansiblestocking form of substantially circular cross-sectional contour composedof a plurality of segmental longitudinally extending sections eachincluding a leg portion and a relatively longitudinally extensible footportion, a tongue of dovetailed cross-section secured in and extendinglongitudinally from` the foot portion of each section into acorrespondingly shaped groove formed in the leg portion of the sectionand provide-d with a longitudinally extending locking groove, a screwcarried by the leg portion and provided with a flange projecting intoksaid locking groove for securing the tongue in its adjusted position insaid leg portion.

30. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a radially expansiblestocking form of substantially circular cross-sectional contour composedof a plurality of segmental longitudinally extending sections eachincluding a leg portion and a relatively longitudinally extensible footportion, a tongue of dovetailed cross-section secured in and extendinglongitudinally from the foot portion of each section into acorrespondingly shaped groove formed in the leg portion of the sectionfor adjustably connecting said portions, and a iiller piece between theleg and foo-t portions of each section and provided with a dovetaile-dgroove embracing the tongue for securing said filler piece in saidposition relative to the foot and leg portions of the form section.

31. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a radially expansiblestocking form of substantially circular cross-sectional contour composedof a plurality of segmental longitudinally extending sections eachincluding a leg portion and a relatively longitudinally movable footportion attached to one end of the leg portion, a dowel secured in oneof said portions and projecting into an opening formed in the other ofsaid portions, and a resilient element adjacent and projecting into saidopening for engagement with the dowel to secure said portions together.

32. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a stocking form ofsubstantially circular cross-sectional contour, a heel piece normallydisposed within the circular contour of the form and adapted to beprojected laterally therebeyond through a slot provided in one side ofthe form, said heel piece comprising a supporting section pivotallymounted within the form, and a body section secured to the supportingsection for adjustment relative thereto longitudinally of the form.

33. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a sto-cking form ofsubstantially circular crosssectional contour, a heel piece normallydisposed Within the circular contour of the form and adapted to beprojected laterally therebeyond through a slot provided in one side ofthe form, said heel piece comprising a pair of laterally spaced platespivotally mounted within the form, a body section provided with alongitudinally extending rib disposed between said plates, and means forsecuring said plates to said rib to permit relative adjustmenttherebetween longitudinally oi the form.

34. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a stocking form ofsubstantially circular cross-sectional contour, a heel piece normallydisposed within the circular contour of the form and adapted to beprojected laterally therebeyond through a slot provided in one side ofthe form, said heel piece comprising a pair of laterally spaced platespivotally mounted within the form, a body section provided with alongitudinally extending rib disposed between said plates, means forsecuring said plates to said rib to permit relative adjustmenttherebetween longitudinally of the form, an operating element for saidheel piece extending longitudinally through said form, and a pinextending laterally from opposite sides of said operating element intocam slots respectively formed in said plates for swinging said heelpiece radially of the form by longitudinal movement of said operatingelement.

35. Hosiery inspecting apparatus comprising, in combination, a stockingform having a plurality of expansible segments, means within saidstocking form for expanding said segments; mounting means rotatablysupporting the stockingform, comprising a housing having therein amovement translating device comprising rack and gear members foroperating said expanding means; a separably mounted fluid operated poWerdevice comprising a movement imparting member, valve means forcontrolling said power device; means operable at will for controllingsaid valve means; and movement transmitting means connecting saidmovement imparting member with said rack and gear members.

36. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a supporting structureincluding a head, a stud projecting from one side of said head, a postrotatably mounted on said stud, an expansible stocking form carried bysaid post, a rod extending axially of the stud and post and beyond theopposite side of said head for actuating said form, a treadle carried bythe supporting structure, means operatively connecting the treadle andsaid rod, including a luid operated cylinder having a piston operativelyconnected to the rod, and a fluid control valve operatively connected tothe treadle. Y

37. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a supporting structureincluding a head, a stud projecting from one side of said head, a postrotatably mounted on said stud, an expansible stocking form carried bysaid post, a rod extending axially of the stud and post and beyond theopposite side of said head for actuating said form, a treadle carried bythe supporting structure, a fluid operated cylinder rigidly secured tothe supporting structure, a piston in said cylinder operativelyconnected to the rod, a fluid control valve for said cylinder, and meansoperatively connecting said treadle and said Valve.

38. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a supporting structure, ahead, means for securing said head to said structure and providing foruniversal angular adjustment of the head relative to the supportingstructure, a stud projecting from one side of said head, a postrotatably mounted on said stud, an expansible stocking form carried bysaid post, a rod extending axially of the stud and post and beyond theopposite side of said head for actuating said form, a iluid actuatedcylinder secured to said supporting structure, a piston in the cylinder,universal linkage operatively connecting the piston to said rod, and afluid control valve for controlling the actuation of the piston.

39. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a supporting structure, ahead, means for securing said head to said structure and providing foruniversal angular adjustment of the head relative to the supportingstructure, a stud projecting from one side of said head, a postrotatably mounted on said stud, an expansible stocking form carried bysaid post, a rod extending axially of the stud and post and beyond theopposite side of said head for actuating said form, a iiuid actuatedcylinder secured to said supporting structure, a piston in the cylinder,universal linkage operatively connecting the piston to said rod, a fluidcontrol valve for controlling the actuation of the piston, and a treadlecarried by the supporting structure and operatively connected to saidvalve.

40. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a supporting structure, ahead, means for securing said head to said structure and providing foruniversal angular adjustment of the head relative to the supportingstructure, a stud projecting from one side of said head, a postrotatably mounted on said stud, an expansible stocking form carried bysaid post, a rod extending axially of the stud and post and beyond theopposite side of said head for actuating said form, a shaft ro- ."9tatably carried by the supporting structure, a treadle carried by theshaft, a fluid actuated cylinder secured to said supporting structure, apiston in the cylinder, universal linkage operatively connecting thepiston to said rod, includinga lever loosely mounted on said shaft, alever secured tightly to said shaft, and a fluid control valveoperatively connected to said tight lever.

4l. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a supporting structure, ahead, means for securing said head to said structure and providing foruniversal angular adjustment of the head relative to the supportingstructure, a stud projecting from one side oi' said head, a postrotatably mounted on said stud, an expansible stocking form carried bysaid post, a rod extending axially of the stud and post and beyond theopposite side of `said head for actuating said form, a shaft rotatablycarried by the supporting structure, a treadle carried by the shaft, afluid actuated cylinder secured to said supporting structure, a pistonin the cylinder, universal linkage operatively connecting the piston tosaid rod, including a v lever loosely mounted on said shaft, a leversecured tightly to said shaft,a fluid control valve operativelyconnected to said tight lever, and a collar mounted on said shaft formovement axially thereof into interlocldng engagement with said looselever to lock the loose lever to the shaft for directly operating saidrod from said shaft, and means for disconnecting the piston and thevalve from said loose and tight levers respectively.l

42. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a supporting structure, ahead, means for securing said head to said structure and providing foruniversal angular adjustment of the head relative to the supportingstructure, a stud projecting from one side of said head, a postrotatably mounted on said stud, an expansible stocking form carried bysaid post, a rod extending axially ci the stud and post and beyond theopposite side oi said head for actuating said form, a cylinder carriedby said head at the said opposite side thereoic and into which the endof said rod extends, a piston on the said end of said rod, a gear rackon one side of the piston and projecting through a slot formed in oneside of the cylinder, a gear segment pivotally mounted on the headadjacent the slot in the cylinder and intermeshing with said gear rack,la treadle pivotally mounted on said supporting structure, and meansincluding universal linkage operatively connecting the treadle and thegear segment for actuating the rod.

43. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a supporting structure, ahead, means for securing said head to said structure and providing foruniversal angular adjustment of the head relative to the supportingstructure, a stud projecting from one side of said head, a postrotatably mounted on said stud, an expansible stocking form carried bysaid post, a rod extending axially of the stud and post and beyond theoppositeside of said head for actuating said form, a spring tending tomove the rod in one direction to collapse the form, means for moving therod in an opposite direction to expand the form including a treadlepivoted to the supporting structure, and universal `linkage operativelyconnected to the treadle and including a lever pivoted to the headadjacent the projecting end of the rod and provided With a projectionadapted to press the rod axially in opposition to the spring.

44. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a,

supporting structure, a head, means for securing said head to saidstructure Vand providing for universal angular adjustmentrof the headrelative to the supporting structure, a stud projecting from one side ofsaid head, a post rotatably mounted on said stud, an expansible stockingform carried by said post, a rod extending axially of the stud and postand beyond the opposite side of said head for actuating said form, aspring tending to move the rod in one direction to collapse the form,means for moving the rod in an opposite direction to expand the formincluding a treadle pivoted to the supporting structure, universallinkage operatively connected to the treadle and including a leverpivoted to the head adjacentV the projecting end of the rod and providedWith a projection adapted to press the rod axially in opposition to thespring, and means for adjustably controlling the form expanding movementof the rod. Y

45. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a supporting structure, ahead, means for securing said head to said structure and providingforuniversal angular adjustment of the head relative to the supportingstructure, a stud projecting :from one side of said head, a postrotatably mounted on said stud, an expansible stocking form carried bysaid post, a rod extending axially of the stud and post and beyond theopposite side of said head for actuating said form, a spring tending tomove the rod in one direction to collapse'the form, means for moving therod in an opposite directionV to expand the form including a treadlepivoted to the supporting structure, universal linkage operativelyconnected to the treadle and including a lever pivoted to the headadjacent the projecting end ofthe rod and provided with a projectionadapted to press the rod axially in opposition to the spring, means foradjustably controlling the form expanding movement of the rod,comprising a head on the said projecting end of the rod, an adjustablecam surface carried by one of said heads, and a cam follower carried bythe other of said heads and engagingthe cam surface.

46. A hosiery inspecting device comprislng a supporting structure, ahead, means for securing said head to said structure and providing foruniversal angular adjustment of the head relative to the supportingstructure, a stud projecting from one side of said head, a postrotatably mounted on said stud, an expansible stocking form carried bysaid post, a rod extending axially of the stud and post and beyond theopposite side of said head for actuating said form, a cylinder carriedby said head at the said oppositeside thereof and into which the end ofsaid rod extends, a piston on the said end of said rod, a gear rack onone side of the piston and projecting through a slot formed in one sideof the cylinder, agear segment pivotally mounted on the head adjacentthe slot in the cylinder and intermeshing `With said gear rack, atreadle pivotally mounted on said supporting structure, means includinguniversal linkage operatively con# necting the treadle and the gearsegment for actuating the rod in one direction to expand the form, anextension on said piston'projecting beyond the end of the cylinder, anda collar adjustably mounted on said piston extension for engagement Withthe end of thel cylinder to limit the form expanding motion of the rod.

47. A hosiery inspecting device comprising a supporting structure, ahead, means for securing said head to said structure and providing foruniversal angular adjustment of the head relative to the supportingstructure, a stud projecting from one side of said head, a postrotatably mounted on said stud, an expansible stocking form carried bysaid post, a rod extending axially of the stud and post and beyond theopposite side of said-head for actuating said form, a cylinder carriedby said head at the said opposite side thereof and into which the end ofsaid rod extends, a piston on the said end of said rod,Y

a gear rack on one side of the piston and projecting through a slotformed in one side of the cylinder, a gear segment pivotally mounted onthe head adjacent the slot in the cylinder and intermeshing with saidgear rack, a treadle pivotally mounted on said supporting structure,means including universal linkage operatively connecting the treadle andthe gear segment for actuating the rod in one direction to expand theform, an extension on said piston projecting beyond the end of thecylinder, a collar adjustably mounted on said piston extension forengagement With the end of the cylinder to limit the form expandingmotion of the rod, `and a spring for moving said rod in a formcontracting direction.

48. A hosiery inspecting device comprising an expansible stocking formof circular cross-sectional contour split longitudinallyY into twosimilar halves each including a leg portion and a foot portion attachedto one end of the leg portion, said foot portion having a stockingturning openingextending from the outer end of the foot portion to apoint adjacent that end of the leg portion to which said foot portion isattached, said opening being formed correspondingly in each of thehalves of said foot portion With its axis at an angle to the axis of theform in a plane coincident With the plane of the longitudinal split ofthe form.

SAMUEL EDWARD KALBACH. MAX POESCHMANN.

